Latest reviews

Linda reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I did the Introduction to Green Woodworking course and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in working with green wood, or if you just love wood like I do! I was gifted it and I am so glad 😊. Andy was the tutor and he is lovely, so patient and so interesting to listen to. And he provided a very nice lunch!! It was a fantastic day learning how to use all the different tools and then producing something pretty decent! And all this in beautiful surroundings. I'm now looking at doing another course there. Thank you Andy! "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Linda, for that really positive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, and are looking at joining us for another course. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood."

Phill reviewed: Introduction to Metalwork & Welding - for 1 or 2 People

"I wanted to learn more about metal work and have a go on a few tools before getting myself setup at home. Phillip is a great teacher, patient and very knowledgeable and gave me lots of hints and tips about the best way to get started at home. Plasma cutting, welding, working with the forge, angle cutting and grinding. I even made a start on my dream project - a weathervane. I would highly recommend! "

Philip Melling Sculpture, Art & Design responded:

"Hi Phill, Thanks so much for your kind review - it was a pleasure having you in the workshop. Good luck setting up your workspace and feel free to get in touch if you need any advice on anything! Philip"

Lennie reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I felt like an old fossil with a gammy back and right elbow. I did not know how to cope with the pain, the posture or manipulate my tools. Every step of the way I was supported by Geraint and now I have a lovely ammonite. It could be more shapely and mature... but think of its potential for development. While I primarily focused on sustaining the stamina for my own project, it was just great being among others, watching and appreciating all their achievements."

Judith Alcock reviewed: Half Day Taster Stained Glass Workshop - for 121, 2 or 3 (friends)

"The half day taster course was the 1st time I had ever done anything like this before. I really enjoyed learning a new skill and Ruth is an excellent teacher, giving you help when needed. I made a beautiful bird which is hanging on my window now. Thank you."

Blue Skies Glass Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Judith, it was so lovely to meet you and to see your little bird come to life, thank you."

Ryan Courtier reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"I joined Landmark Walling for their Dry Stone Walling two day weekend course in the beautiful Peak District this April (2024). The warm welcome on day 1 from Carl, Ray and Sharon immediately put me at ease and I felt excited to learn how to build a dry stone wall! Carl's teaching style was fantastic as it was just a small portion looking at dry stone wall build diagrams, and mostly outside watching Carl's techniques and then building and getting up close and personal with the wall. We learn't how to dismantle the old wall, stone by stone, and how to lay a healthy foundation and how to restore the wall back to its former glory 300 years ago. Carl taught us about different stone types, shapes and sizes that each have their place on the wall. The level of care and attention to detail with health and safety, as well as having a blast of fun with the group made it such a special experience! Everyone got equal attention and opportunity to learn and take part, and it really is suited well to beginners. Sharon's hospitality at break and lunch time was perfect, thank you. The food was locally sourced, fresh and homemade and delicious. I will definitely be returning for round 2."

Catherine Howie reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"A really enjoyable day, learning something completely new. Vicky was patient and generous with her time and knowledge."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Catherine, thank you for your review, it is appreciated. Hopefully designing your own panel has made it fit in with your other artworks. All the best Vicky"

Alan P reviewed: 2 Day Woodturning Course for Beginners

"What an amazing course... I was initially apprehensive of what to expect and do, having no previous experience of wood turning. This concern, however, quickly diminished once the 'hands on' activities commenced. We initially went through the health and safety aspects of working with machinery and sharp tools, quickly progressing to the actual making of something! Mick had an identical set up to us and progressively first showed us what to do and then we did it. The end results included a candle stick made from pine, a bowl made from mahogany and a pen made from Bethlehem olive wood. The end results, albeit saying my self were spectacular."

Cheshire Woodturning and Workshop Training Limited responded:

"Thank you very much for giving the first woodturning course I have run at my home workshop, such a great review! It was an absolute pleasure training you. The projects you made were beautiful and a real reward for your own hard work and efforts on the course. "

Jill Devon reviewed: Three Day Indian Miniature Painting Workshop with Samantha Buckley

"I really enjoyed this course, great tutor, fab location and hosts. And delicious lunches/cakes. The course itself - Indian Miniature Trees was perfect for a nervous beginner like myself, I was delighted with the results!"

Moor and Sea Holidays responded:

"We are so pleased you enjoyed the Indian Miniature Painting trees course at Moor and Sea with Sam. Your picture was lovely! We hope to see you again soon "

Juliet reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Excellent workshop from Martin, well run, clear instructions given with plenty of support during the day. A lovely day and as a beginner was able to make some great pieces. Would thoroughly recommend."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the review, I hope to see you again."

Kathryn Pugh reviewed: Knitting Workshop - All Levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"I really enjoyed this course and would definitely recommend that people try it. The online booking system was very easy to navigate and Catherine at Tandem Crafts responded really quickly to my initial enquiries. The course itself was very relaxed and enjoyable. Ann, the teacher was welcoming and friendly and she tailored the one to one tuition exactly to my level and goals. She was patient and encouraging throughout and I came away feeling much more confident my abilities. Thank you to Ann and Catherine at Tandem Crafts for a lovely afternoon. "

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this kind review. We always aim to make all our clients feel welcomed and leaving us happy. Which sounds like you did. Goal achieved"

Heather reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"My friends and I had a brilliant day on the Combined Pottery and Glass whole day course. Sarah and Chris were wonderful hosts and very patient and kind tutors. Having never been on a potter's wheel before I was delighted to be able to make (with Chris' help!) three pots which survived!! After a delicious lunch I was then able to make a glass pendant and hanging decoration in Sarah's quiet and tranquil studio. A lovely day spent in the company of lovely hosts. Thank you 😊 "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great fun entertaining you all for the day! Thanks very much for the review, Sarah & Chris "

Nicky Morley reviewed: Art Silver Clay and Lamp Glass workshop

"A brilliant day."

Roger Seager reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"Very enjoyable wood carving course learnt a lot and Geraint was very encouraging "

Charmain reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"I was very happy attending this watercolour workshop. The afternoon was well constructed and I felt welcomed. C/Kathy was approachable and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon learning and came away with a lot of new knowledge to build on. I would happily attend again. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are happy that you enjoyed the workshop and do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Clara reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I loved everything about this course! It is in the most beautiful setting; step out of the car into a meditation soundtrack of happy birds and babbling water; Andy was amazing; the food was lovely and hot drinks from the wood fired clay oven were perfect. I wish I had camped so I could’ve spent longer in the woods. I am so pleased to have done the course, don’t think twice if you’re uncertain. Only negative was getting stuck on the drive up to the car park, my little Polo didn’t have enough clearance so don’t arrive in a sports car!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Clara, for that thoughtfully-written and enthusiastic review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the course, and your love of the environment at Sallerton Wood is clear! We do hope that you can join us there again sometime in the future, and, as you say, you must camp next time! Well done, and thanks for supporting us. We'll do a bit of work on the entrance track before you come again!"

Yvonne Abdul reviewed: Craft Bookbinding (1 day) in the Peak District

"I can highly recommend this one day course for beginners or anyone with a little experience of book binding. The day proceeded at a reasonable pace and I never felt rushed. There was plenty of choice when it came to materials for our books and Holly, our tutor was very calm and patient with everyone. We didn’t wait for anything when it came to refreshment breaks and the weather was just about good enough for us to sit outside and enjoy the wonderful surroundings and views. I really enjoyed the day and came home with a book that I was very happy with. I hope that I can return one day to experience another course like this. Thank you, Holly and Peter, who was a great host and provider of lunch and snacks."

Karla Bell reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"A fabulous workshop. Not rushed, great pace, gentle approach to all students. A lovely little venue also. Thank you so much Alice Warmly "

Liz Flannery reviewed: Metalwork Craft weekend with The Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I attended Natalie’s weekend course on 13th & 14th April this year and I can’t thank her enough for such a fantastic experience! I was nervous to the point of hyperventilating when I arrived, and in all honesty I was only there because my husband bought me the course as a Christmas present shortly before he died. Natalie soon put me at ease, she is such a natural teacher, able to explain and teach the techniques in an easy to understand manner, run through the safety aspects in a meaningful way and so patient, particularly on the second day when we were let loose on our individual projects and we were all wanting her attention. I made a lovely garden wall hanging in memory of my husband and did something right out of my comfort zone in a very supportive setting. Keep doing what you’re doing Natalie your enthusiasm is boundless!"

Brian Graha reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"We did the two day wood carving course which was simply brilliant - a really enjoyable experience with great instruction and friendly fellow learners. We came away with carvings that look great and of which we are proud, but more importantly we experienced a great couple of days - thanks !"

Christine reviewed: Artist Retreat in the Shropshire Hills - 5 Days & 5 Nights - One to One

"If you like your Crafting this is the place to go. Excellent tutor and a lovely location. Rachel thinks of everything and is so helpful and talented. I can't praise it enough."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Christine. You are so lovely and thoughtful. It was a fantastic week. An absolute pleasure to get to know you. I can't wait to keep in touch and see what other lovely crafts you produce! All the very best. Rach "

Jack reviewed: Hardwood table furniture making course with Finbarr Lucas

"Absolutely loved this course! Going in with practically no experience, I came out with new skills, a table I’m proud of, and inspiration to go and make more! Finbarr is an excellent teacher who oozed patience and experience. I would recommend this course to everyone"

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thanks so much for this glowing review Jack! It was a fantastic three days with all of you in the workshop, and I was delighted to be part of the process as each of your tables took shape. The fact that you came to the course with very little experience and yet produced such a beautiful and well made table, is testament to the care and attention that you put in. Well done, and I hope I’ll see you again. "

Jenny reviewed: Introduction to simple Ink Drawings

"Thank you Nina, I had a lovely relaxing morning learning and exploring a new art medium, You were helpful and encouraging sharing your knowledge of ink drawings and the effects of using ink on a range of papers. Your session was very interesting and sharing samples of your beautiful creative art work and projects was a pleasure to see. "

Conor reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"This course is absolutely fantastic and I can't recommend it highly enough. Ben is not only a brilliant woodworker but also an excellent teacher, he manages to make sure you’re always up to speed without interfering too much or doing the work for you. As a beginner I learned a huge number of valuable techniques and picked up lots of tips, others on the course were more experienced but still gained a lot. In addition to this the workshop is set in a beautiful woodland and Ben also does a fantastic range of soups for lunch. "

Nigel Featherstone reviewed: 2 Day Introduction to Wood Carving

"Excellent course, tutor first class. Only downside was lack of heating in workshop -needs to be addressed."

Sarah reviewed: Stained Glass Leading Garden Panel Workshop for Beginners

"I did this course last weekend and I cant speak highly enough of it! The explanations of methods were accessible to all and Mike made sure to do demonstrations of the skills multiple times which I found useful to get an understanding in my head. Jenny was also an amazing host checking if we wanted drinks lots and grabbing lunch for us from the cafe which was very yummy. Very interesting day and I'm happy with how my craft turned out so can only recommend this to anyone wanting to try a new method of stained glass or a new medium or just wants to make something pretty."

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thank-you for your review Sarah - it was a pleasure having you in the studio! KR Mike"